damonika2009: they were releasing pent up frustration towards one another.
tryntee13: he will. He's not about to make the same mistakes twice. Their relationship will be taking growth spurts though.
kera69love: I think anyone would be humiliated in Mamoru's position at that moment. The confrontation with her little bro was needed though. In his own right he's maturing differently without her there and its taking its toll. As for the mind blowing sex, I knew after that hiatus you guys would need something for your patience. Lol as for mid – week ch/ep's only if I can score a 25+ review AND if 'Shaydoe' has finished up on her end as well.
mavebelikova: had a good Christmas! And Mamoru should be embarrassed. Though in his case I think he was more or less stunned at first. Then upset. I am glad you all liked the sex scene though. I thought it deviled deeper into the bond as a connection.
CynDLou12: Shingo is growing more mature now and as long as no one spots him or he feels like he's in the right mood its very hard for him to admit to his feelings, typical younger brothers. Divorce is NOT on the table. But I do want to have it where even the 'nuclear families' weren't all peaches and cream. EVERYONE struggles.
trish1573: I presume the 'kansas city' reference means you wanted more sex scenes. Lol we hit a cold front up here. At one point it went from -45, -29, -11 degrees before 9, 20 and now 30 degrees.
NeoPrincessRini: things will work out but at this point having Usagi at the house wouldn't be a good idea. I'd be to tempted to have her father board her room up and even nail her windows shut if she stayed back there with his knowledge. It's an evil little part of me but I'd be to tempt to do so, so for right now she won't be there.
AimlesslyGera: I love that! The smut gets the first pick! LMAO!
Slow Burn: yup! And if anyone has any new places they think our couple would like to try, throw it in your next review. I'm game! Lol as it is since I still read other fanfic's online it helps my creative juices flow.
Guest (1): that's a hard one but it will eventually…everyone just needs to give it time.
Guest (2): Yup and hopefully with a 'smutty vengance'!
Guest (3): I did leave you guys without any for a few weeks so why not. lol
LoveInTheBattleField: I hope you had a good one to!
Nice 13 reviews, now let's see where this ch/ep brings us! Only warnings here are well…none…not really that is. a tiny bit of smut but not enough to put up a real warning.
Sailor Moon S 'Rise of the Messiah' ch/ep.32
It was early in the morning when Usagi and Mamoru were forced to wake up. The sun's glare had barely cleared the horizon of tower's as the loud abrasive tonal drone of his alarm clock, shattered their peaceful sleep. Knowing it was the morning of the picnic and that they had a special outing planned for Chibi Usa and Hotaru, presuming Hotaru still showed up. They needed to get up and get everything organized.
Crawling sluggishly out of bed, feeling drained and more than a bit hung over from the sex marathon last night Mamoru sat wearily on the edge of the bed, as Usagi sighed languidly, slipping the black t-shirt he had been wearing yesterday over her head. He watched in both concern and tinge of smug satisfaction as she hobbled out of the bedroom. She for once was aching this morning.
For the first time her body was not pleased by her calisthenics from the night before. Mamoru chuckled slowly rising to his feet, then groaned in mild pain as his thighs strained to hold him upright. It seemed she wasn't the only one reeling from the effects.
"Ok...ow..." he commented, arching his back and hearing his spine pop. Bending down cautiously to slowly pull on a pair of black boxers. The muscles in his legs tight and on fire at the slight movements. The little sleep they had had didn't do much for their sore, stiff muscles from last night. Moaning and groaning in pain he rose back up, feeling somewhat proud of his stamina last night even if he felt like he had gone ten rounds with a daimon this morning.
Achieving modesty he walked somewhat hunched over with a hand on his still kinked hip, as he too hobbled out of the bedroom. Finding his girl laughing quietly at him from the end of the hall leaning against the archway to the living room. Her blue eyes bright, the bliss of last night still lingering in her loving gaze.
"I think we are going to have to stretch a little before we try that again." She quipped, leaving him nodding mutely. It had been like a sex marathon last night and she felt sore all over.
Right now though was time to focus on the food for the picnic. Chibi Usa would be ecstatic they knew if she did. Intent on getting the food prepped, Usagi went into the kitchen. Her tiny feet padding whisper light upon the wood flooring. Her hips swaying a bit more than usual as she attempted to work out a few more tight places. Needing to limber up and get her body back in order. Mamoru couldn't help but admire the sexy swing of her waist.
As if on cue little Mamoru was summoned to life, poking his head out like a shy turtle from the front pocket in his boxers.
'Hello...you called?' Mamoru groaned and sighed, turned on his heel headed for the shower to deal with pesky little Mamoru. Wondering oddly if he was becoming addicted to sex now when it came to his love. He honestly couldn't think a better addiction to have then Usagi. So with a shrug of acceptance he disappeared into the bathroom for a while in inflected a bit of cold torture on himself.
When he left the bathroom, a towel wrapped securely around his waist and rubbing another towel over his wet hair. The spicy aroma of coffee beans was thick in the apartment. Taking a heavy breath of longing he wandered back towards the kitchen. The beautiful scent of caffeine calling to him like a siren. Usagi had brewed some coffee for him and was now hovering over a large wicker basket at the island organizing the cutlery and plates in small piles.
He past behind her grabbing a mug from the cupboard and pouring himself a cup from the pot, giving her a small peck on the cheek in thanks for her thoughtful gift. She smiled softly never raising her eyes from her task. He never bothered to offer her any since they both knew how much she disliked the taste of it. The only reason why she knew she didn't like it was due to the bitter after taste it would leave on her mouth after he kissed her.
Nine times out of ten she could ignore its flavor favoring his taste and the feel of his lips on hers far to much to care but otherwise she usually either had her morning kisses before the coffee or after the taste left his mouth.
"Morning, my beautiful, bouncing Bunny Rabbit." he commented as he sat upon a stool on the other side of the island. Bringing the inky brew up to his lips for a tentative sip, not wanting to burn himself. But eager to get the caffeine in his system and wake up fully.
"Morning." she smirked, raising an eyebrow in question at the not so subtle verbs he had added to her name.
Mamoru chuckled lightly, taking another sip. Hiding his grin behind the rim of the cup.
She ignored the smugness she felt from him. Concentrating on packing then unpacking, then re-parking once again. Fussing and fuming over how she was going to get all treats and bento's to fit. All the while, Mamoru finished his coffee. Enjoying watching her fret like a mother planning her child's first birthday with friends. She wanted it to be perfect in every way and it was showing plenty.
She had put in an obscene amount of effort into this outing and he was proud of her. She was really trying to be a good guardian for Chibi Usa. A mother figure she could count on for support and guidance while here in the past.
Mamoru just hoped Chibi Usa appreciated Usagi for all this.
"Everything is almost done, get the camera for pictures, I'm sure Chibi Usa will want a keepsake to have for Hotaru - chan." Usagi motioned. He agreed and went to retrieve his camera, while she followed after him heading to their bedroom to dress. It had taken most of the morning to pack the picnic basket and gather a large enough blanket. They would be headed over to the arboretum, at the Jinai Botanical garden to have their lunch.
Hopefully tucked away in the relative protection under the glass dome. Surrounded by all manner of flowers and endangered plants that flourished inside. She was really looking forward to the afternoon basking in the man-made garden, with the sunlight filtering through the thousands of glass panes sparkling like a kaleidoscope softly down upon their blanket. The warmth and heady aroma of the lush flora and fauna heavy around them.
The images inside her mind were so peaceful and romantic, she was already getting impatient to get going. They had not been back since last spring. Their relationship starting fresh, just after the Doom Tree Crisis. Chibi Usa had just landed into the their midst and they had yet to encounter the Dark Moon Family or Death Phantom. But another foe had been waiting for her there...Fiore.
Usagi sighed heavily, that had been a very bitter sweet battle. She had died for the second time, the great power of the silver crystal over taking her as she sought to save everyone. If it hadn't been for Fiore's sacrifice it might have been permanent. Now her crystal was even more powerful than before, was capable of take more than her life if she lost control of it this time. It seemed upon reflection she had been jumping from one battle to the next ever since Luna had entered her meek little life.
But the existence of Crystal Tokyo gave her hope that one day she would over-come it all. That peace would reign, that all this fighting would serve a greater purpose. To pave the way for a prosperous future for this planet and true happiness for all her friends. Before her thoughts could drift back into her grim musings over the coming Silence, Mamoru patted her bum as he moved behind her towards the closet.
Usagi giggled, casting him a mocking frown as she finished gathering up her things from the dresser. Tossing her chosen clothes upon the unmade – hardly ever made bed – if she were to be honest with herself, as Mamoru followed suit.
Throwing on fall appropriate clothes that held both a maturity, yet remained alluring. Going for a casual chic, in a white pleated, three quarter high length skirt, that would flutter nicely around her lower thighs. Paired with long leather boots that went up to her knees. Her thin cashmere sweater, with a dipping neckline of a forest green color that complimented her dark green boots with sophistication. The tank she wore under her sweater was black to ensure any heat that came down would be absorbed by the color.
She left the bedroom to make sure everything was in the picnic basket. Checking her mental to do list she asked herself, "Am I missing something?" she looked about only to find her boyfriend wrapping his arms around her waist, "Nope. Just relax it'll be a good time for all of us. Now let's get going before you find something else we forgot." He smiled and with a quick kiss to her neck she agreed.
Admiring the man who had claimed her heart, as he sauntered over to the island dressed casually as well, in weathered jeans the hung just right to complement his long, toned legs. A white button down shirt, with a navy weave sweater over top. His broad shoulder's and powerful chest hidden but still very apparent under the thin layers. The white shirt tails just peeking below the sweater's hemline along his strong hips. Mamoru grabbed the picnic basket, while she folded the huge blue and white checkered blanket over her arm.
"Ready?" he asked, a happy, encouraging smile on his face.
"Ready." She sighed, setting her shoulder's and quieting the nerves now circling in her belly. It was very important to her that this outing went well, she needed to stay positive that the enemy or anything else might ruin it. She wouldn't let the little doubts that jabbed at her in the back of her mind bring down her good mood.
The ride there was sweet and relaxing until they got to the front of the house. Usagi steeled herself for another confrontation as she approached the front door she noticed her papa peering at her through the living room window. He had heard Mamoru's car pull up and curious he had pulled the white velvet drapes aside enough to snoop outside. He gave the red sports car a grim look, his jaw tight, grinding his teeth to hold back his simmering anger.
Then his dark eyes flicked to her out on the porch, their eyes met only briefly. Usagi noted how they held no warmth. Looking dull and tired, he merely gave her a curt nod before releasing the drapes and disappearing from sight.
Usagi sighed heavily for the first time she felt like a visitor to her own familiar. A sense of belonging now absent as she pushed the doorbell. That was strange, alien...it filled her with a sense of final loss. A somber grieving settled on her heart as she listened to the bright tone of the bell ringing inside.
As Chibi Usa answered the door, dressed in a very cute navy skirt, a simple long sleeve white blouse, with bright candy cane red suspender's. White tights and sweet black mary janes. Her hair combed and styled in her oval buns and curling pig tails. Her hair looking freshly washed and still slightly damp. She skipped outside, a huge grin on her round face. Her excitement dampening instantly upon seeing Usagi, she had expected Hotaru.
"I thought you were Hotaru - chan." She commented, closing the front door softly behind her.
Usagi held a sad smile, guiding Chib Usa to the front gate. They both glanced down the sidewalk, not quite seeing the dark haired girl just yet. "It seems as if she's running late..." Luna appeared on top of Mamoru's car.
"She knows where to come right?" Usagi asked, "Hai...Chibi Usa gave that 'Kaori' lady the message with the bunny back pack. I've been keeping my eye on her around that house." Luna assured her charge, the weekly meetings being the only way the cat was keeping up to recent events. Luna was now tempted to move out of the Tsukino's as well. If Usagi was going to live with Mamoru, then so was she. It was her place to be by the princess's side, she was her guardian and counsel.
She just hoped that the sexcapades had toned a bit by now. Either way she would have to figure out a way to make it work, she couldn't live in a separate house anymore. It was just getting to hard to do her job, Queen Serenity would be so disappointed in her if she failed in her mission to keep the heir to the Silver Millennium on track towards her future throne. Or at this rate to keep her from having the next heir to soon.
Usagi nodded, "Anything new?" Usagi asked as Chibi Usa began to kick the white brick fence in impatience. "Nope. Not a peep." Luna reported. "All's quiet at the Tomoe's not sign of Daimon activity what so ever."
Chibi Usa looked so sad. "Hotaru isn't the enemy! I hate that you guys are investigating her family." she commented sourly.
It tore at Usagi's motherly heart strings. "Chibi..." she began feeling she needed to explain again why Hotaru and her family were suspects, that they were only being cautious. Wanting to make sure she wasn't involved before deepening the investigation at the Mugen Academy.
"OH! Look!" Usagi switched gears in heartbeat, as the mousey, girl in question was standing shyly at the corner of their street. Staring down at the house nervously, pulling at her fingertips uncertain if she was going to continue all the way. Dressed in a very simple black dress with a high Elizabethan collar accented by a lavender shawl over her shoulder's. With dark tights and velvet calf boots the latched with large silver buckles. Looking very much like some gothic doll, in all her somber color's.
Her eccentric fashion sense which made her stand out with her peers, wasn't even a thought to the sweet little girl now dashing towards her. Chibi Usa saw the tender heart and honest soul that lived inside the dark, fragile girl, that was Hotaru Tomoe. She only wanted to show Hotaru what a true friend could be, a connection of shared loneliness drawing them together.
Chibi Usa excitedly ran up to hug her. Hotaru laughed softly, opening her arms to receive her warm hug. Having warmed up to her, her reservations towards physical contact lessening. The little girl had brightened her so far quite tragic life. Giving her hope that she could be happy for once. That she deserved to feel content and loved. Finding an inner strength to keep fighting her illness, if only to spend one more day with the sugary, sweet Chibi Usa.
Usagi watched the girls embrace, "It's like Chibi Usa has an older sister within Hotaru - chan."
She turned her head to the side, catching sight of Mamoru emerging from the car. She smirked as he caught the wicked gleam in her eyes, "Are we sure Hotaru - chan's not Chibi Usa's older sister sent here from the future to watch over her young sibling?" Usagi added, crossing over to the car to wait for the girls. He was shocked momentarily before he caught the devil in her eyes. "Other than the black hair she nor you and I have anything a like facially or personality in common." he answered frankly.
(I laughed, "Mamo - chan it's a joke. Hotaru - chan has her own papa. Tomoe." he blushed, "Nani? Is this going back to us having several kids?" I asked cautiously. He blushed more. "So how - " but I was cut off by an anxious Chibi Usa dragging Hotaru with her to the car. The mousey girl held her pink bunny backpack behind her back shyly as the two girls slipped into the back seat giggling and conspiring like true friends.
"At least she didn't call 'shot gun'." I giggled. I still felt uneasy about feeling like a near stranger in the area where I grew up in, where I had as a home for so long. "It's strange you know..." I began, Mamo - chan looked up, "Nani?" he asked, "I grew up here, had a lot of firsts here in this house. I didn't realize that when you're in a different living situation things looked so different yet so the same. I feel different and almost 'stranger like' just standing in front of my childhood home." I didn't cry or outwardly look sad I just felt odd being here now.
"I remember times when I would feel wrong not being at home, or fight off panic because I wasn't used to being so far from home." I stated recalling the times when a youma attack would be on the other side of town where I had never truly been before. At 3 a.m. it could be quite scary for a 14 year old girl who doesn't know the area very well, to be out in an unknown area. I used to follow Mars home until I knew where I was, and able to get myself back home.
Rei was always more sure of herself, more confident being out in the world by herself. Her strength then, gave me the anchor I needed to become the leader I had become now. I owed that stubborn, temperamental Miko more than I would ever say. It would only inflate her already over blown ego anyway. But inwardly I figured she already knew how much I loved and respected her. She was highly observant, I really couldn't keep my true feelings hidden from her.
All this time of being a senshi has not only taught me how to be stronger, more independent, dependable, working towards a common goal, but to also check a damned map from time to time. Ok I need to focus here. "Yet now..." I looked to him and turned my body to his, "I know it in my heart and soul that my home is with you." he smiled, "My home always was with you." he gently caressed my chin before giving me a light kiss.
At this point there was no caring about papa seeing it. But then again there was no point in making him any madder than he already was. I broke the sweet kiss off, "We'd better go before Chibi Usa starts to scream for us." he nodded but I had a feeling he already knew the other reason why I ended it. I saw the sharp look he sent the window that housed my papa's figure. I pulled him away before his male ego called forth for him to do something stupid.
Getting into the car we headed towards the botanical gardens. Being late fall not many people braved the cooler afternoons. But we could still picnic inside the massive arboretum build in the middle of the park. I was surprised to find how balmy it was when we entered through the gates and into Jindai park. Passing Mamoru a curious look, he shrugged but was highly alert. Being Senshi we never took 'strange' to lightly. Taking to the paths that would wind us around the outer forest of ancient trees and into the fields of roses.
Soon all misgivings about the weather was pushed aside as it was lovely and peaceful, the greenery around us in full bloom. Chibi Usa and Hotaru were giggling and holding hands ahead of us, skipping and singing a childish rhyme. The sun was filtering down through the branches, dancing upon the shadowed path as we walked deeper into the park.
"Well I guess we don't have to hide in the Arboretum today." Mamoru chuckled, swinging the basket between us with a childlike pleasure.
"Well, then let's see if we can find a nice place to eat. I skipped breakfast this morning and I am starving." I sighed, rubbing my tummy with a small pout.
Mamoru laughed, giving my back a sympathetic rub. I moved into his side wordlessly as we emerged from the tree's to greet a field of wild roses. The flowers were waving in the breeze, surrounding us in a heady aroma. A lovely open meadow that reminded me of the castle garden's back in Elysian. My long forgotten memories had slowly been surfacing over the last year, when the Princess's soul had been awakened.
Mamoru as well was reliving his past life, recollections and dim memories coming back to life at the oddest of moments. We had begun to share with one another what we could remember, piecing together out lives as Serenity and Endymion of this last year. Long talks filled with both soul crushing sadness at how that time had ended so brutally, mixed with the sweet moments of our doomed love and the hope that this second chance would not be wasted.
I turned to him, flashing him that small smile of shared memory. He nodded, paying the majestic landscape of rolling hills of flowers a lingering glance. The fond memories of our first meeting that mid-summer's night so long ago. Walking the gardens in Elysian, making love for the first time there and saying our final goodbyes for his sudden appearance at mother's ball that fateful night was not planned.
I gripped his hand tighter as the Silver Millenniums' final moments flashed in my mind.
Usako... He whispered with concern through our link. "Oh...nothing." I answered, my voice weak. I could so easily become absorbed in my ancient past. I shook my head to clear away the memories and refocus on the happiness of today.
Well we walked hand in hand, Chibi Usa and Hotaru were spinning in circles and laughing. A stiff breeze had blew through the field and rustled the loose petals of roses, sending them into the air in cloud that swirled around the young girls. The storm of flower petals was magical in their eyes, and they could imagine all sorts of glittering fairies dancing within the floating petals. I had to laugh.
Only a few months ago myself, I was seeing everything through their childlike innocence as well. Seeing things through their eyes again, well it was refreshing to say the least, since I seemed to be losing that whimsical aspect of myself. Such innocence about them regarding something so plain, that we as adults – or close to adults – take advantage of and don't notice every day. Out of all the fighting lately, the daimon's, dealing with a crazed Mimet this was a nice turnabout from that.
Settling the picnic basket down in the meadow just beyond the long line of roses. The two girls started to enjoy their time in the grassy area. "Grab the camera and start rolling." I told Mamo - chan. I watched as Chibi Usa, 'miss center of attention' for a few moments jumped up and got a good shot midair. Hotaru I saw got a nice delicate shot with some flowers by her face. So demure in spirit yet she had an energy behind her that was kinetic.
I smiled as Chibi Usa jumped on my back, "Pony!" she yelled, pumping her fist in the air and whooping like a cow girl. I was startled at first, latching my arms around her knees to keep her steady. Chibi Usa was in an extremely good mood, she rarely acted so care free around me. I couldn't help the huge smile that spread across my face, or the blush of pure motherly joy that graced my cheeks.
I kinda felt stupid about paraded her around like a beast of burden but gave her the ride on my back anyways. Jogging and trotting in wide circles. I even neighed few times just for the hell of it...Kami help me! Her joy was infectious and I couldn't help but be encouraged by it. I ran around with her, as Mamoru set up the blanket. I never saw him take a picture of us, as he discretely tucked the camera away behind the basket.
Soon out of breath and starting to feel hot and sweaty she finally grew bored of riding me. As she hopped down I heard her yell, "Leap frog now!" I cringed and flopped down on the cool grass in a starfish pattern. Needing to take a few deep breaths and calm my racing heart. When I opened my eyes a moment later, finding Chibi Usa glowering down at me.
"Usagi - chan, you promised to play with me?" She pouted.
"Give me a minute... to catch...my breath...Small Lady." I blurted out, in a heaving breath.
She stopped dead, staring down at me in wonder.)
Where the hell did that come from...I did not call her that? That was not my endearment for her.
(The name had been totally unconscious, as I had been swept up in the happiness of the uncommon moment of playing so easily with her. I had a moment of clarity by how strange it felt to call her that. How I was her mother, yet not her mother at the same time.
I furrowed my brow in confusion, regaining my feet and brushing off some dirt from my knees to keep my face averted from her. Needing a moment to regain some composure as well. I suddenly felt tears threatening my eyes by how shocked and truly freaked out she looked after I called her that name. It hurt but at the same time, I couldn't fault her for it. I felt strange using the endearment as well.
"Let's start Leap Frog now." I offered, giving her an encouraging smile.
"You start." I joked, lunging for her and attempting to force to bend forward so I could jump over her.
"NO WAY!" She screamed at the top of her lungs, darting out of my reach as I started to laugh. Refusing to submit to my greater strength.
"Age before beauty!" She taunted, giving me a loud raspberry a few meters away. Her way of retaliating against me, wanting to keep us safely out of the realm of growing closer and back into the comfort of her antagonistic behavior.
I growled at the insinuation that I was old. "How could a runt like you ever leap over someone as tall as me, gracefully?" I retorted, jabbing her right back.
She snarled up at my superior expression, her face growing red. While I crossed my arms and stared down my nose at her reproachfully.
"I wouldn't call yourself tall, Baka." she huffed.
"I'm tall compared to you." I added, patting her head condescendingly.
She curled her finger, luring me down to her level. I squatted before her, curious as to what she wanted to say to me so quietly.
"Yeah but you look more like a frog." She laughed lightly, before pinching and pulling my cheeks out. Then she moved like lightening, clutching my shoulder's and leaping up with all that she had. Her sudden weight knocking me off balance. I yelped and fell forward onto all fours, the promptly continued to land on my face as she deftly jumped over my head, landing behind me with a gymnast's flourish on her toes, with her arms out for balance.
"TA-DA!" She exclaimed loudly, as I lay sprawled on my face with my butt in the air. My face red and indignant at being duped by her yet again.)
When will I ever learn...?
Unable to control my temper, I snarled and lunged for her. She wailed in mock fright attempting to scramble away, but I wrapped my arms around her little waist and pulled her down to the grass. Immediately trapping her in a head lock before grinding my knuckles into the top of her head. Giving her the noogies of a lifetime.
"Who's eating dirt now, you little spore!" I retaliated, as she writhed and squealed in my clutches.
"I give...I give...truce...truce!" Chibi Usa wailed.
"Uhm...excuse me..."A soft nervous voice interrupted their rough housing.
We stopped instantly, once again caught in the act of being less then demure.
I looked up to find Hotaru hovering anxiously over us, but did not let go of Chibi Usa right away. She gave me a good elbow in the gut before I relented and loosened my grip.
"Mamoru-kun needs your help with the picnic basket." she offered pointing to my prince who had his brows raised questionably over our recent scuffle.
Blushing and chastised instantly by one look, I sighed and begun to rise to my feet. When a little hand clutched onto mine.
I glanced down in surprise to find Chibi Usa staring up at me expectantly.
"You're still going to play leap frog with us?"
I had to laugh, we had the strangest relationship but it worked for us at least for right now.
"Of course." I smiled warmly down at her. Before heading over to the blanket to find out what Mamoru wanted.
"What was that all about?" he inquired gruffly as I sat down.
"Just a little spat." I answered, avoiding his stern look dusting the blanket for invisible ants.
"I thought you were trying not to fight with her." He sighed, placing a comforting hand on my shoulder. I leaned into him as his thumb began to massage the tight muscles near my neck.
"I was, but that was only making us further apart. I stopped engaging with her and she started closing down. For right now, I think she needs me to be her sparing partner. Truthfully, I think I need it too." I smiled weakly up at him seeking his reassurance that I wasn't just being weak.
"I want you to be happy, both of you. This just seems a strange way to reach out to one another." He admitted scratching the back of his head.
I couldn't articulate to him how much I had thought about my turbulent relationship with Chibi Usa. All considerations I had explored to smooth it out, so I merely began to send him images over our link. Of how rocky our beginning was, how we were once sparing partner's. But in time that passion for arguing had turned into love. How much I felt Chibi Usa thought like him. That perhaps our road to cultivate a loving relationship was through the same adversity.
By the end, he smiled in understanding. Nodding with a rueful chuckle as his arms came around me and pulled me in close.
"Alright, let's break it up people. We got games to play, no time for a make out session." Chibi Usa barged into our affectionate moment. Pushing between us and yanking on my arm.
"You promised Usagi - chan." She stated, hauling me to my feet.
She wanted me...over Mamoru...she wanted me to play with her! I was ecstatic to finally be chosen over Mamoru. I couldn't help the huge grin of joy that was plastered on my face as Chibi Usa dragged me away into the meadow.)
She wants me!
(I thundered through our link. Mamoru wasn't hurt, if anything he was just as pleased. Basking through our link in all the joy I felt.
Though I also began to feel rather silly playing that game but did it anyways to please my little girl. Hotaru was fine at first, leaping over Chibi Usa effortlessly. Then it was my turn, I leaped over both girls with a learned grace then prepared to be the proverbial horse. Chibi's turn was filled with giggles and cries of glee as she jumped over Hotaru. I hunched myself over and allowed Chibi Usa to spring board over me. The little girl landed with a thud over my head, flashing me a proud smile over her shoulder's as she prepared for Hotaru.
Hotaru on the other hand was not so athletic and ended up clipping my head with her shoe and tripping spectacularly into the dirt.
"Hotaru - chan...are you ok?" Chibi scrambled around to fret over her new friend. Who was currently blushing a deep rose and sputtering grass out of her mouth.
"Fine..." she mumbled, totally humiliated as Mamoru rushed to our side to aid Hotaru. I watched the two carefully to make sure she was okay but it seemed Mamo - chan had it under control. He sent me a smile to let me know she was fine.
I briefly wondered if he would ever attempt to use his healing powers on her. Would they even work that way, heal Hotaru from her ailing illness or at least give her strength through touch alone to not worry about a possible seizure? His healing abilities made me wonder a bit lately on what he could do. What he was capable of doing. I watched Hotaru get back up just fine and wondered if even he knew.
"I don't think Leap frog is my game." The dark haired girl sighed in defeat.
"Don't give up." Chibi Usa pleaded, holding Hotaru's hands.
"It was my fault, Hotaru - chan. You would have made it, but I moved to brush some hair out of my face and tripped you. Gomen." I took the blame, wanting to give the fragile girl some amount of confidence.
She nodded, accepting my apology and we finished the game without any further mishaps.
It was feeling Chibi Usa's feet nearly toppling me down that had me biting out, "I am too old for this game." thankfully neither Chibi Usa or Hotaru heard me as they were now to busy playing in the flowers. Chasing each other about in a round of tag. So full of energy and good cheer it was wonderful to see.
However Mamo - chan did over hear me, "I don't think you are." I looked to him with an arched eye brow, "Did you not see what happened?" I said hastily. He smiled and turned me to be in front of him, watching Chibi Usa and Hotaru contentedly.
The feel of him along my back side that had me curious as to his meaning. With a very gentle thrust, disguising itself as regular movement against my back, I got his meaning clear as day, "When we get back home we can play some 'leap frog' in bed." he leaned into my neck to whisper his obvious words of intent before nipping at the side of my neck. I let my eyes flutter close for but a moment enjoying his seductions.
"Hai...but cool it for now. You're starting to make me horny and we can't have that here with the girl's present." he seemed to agree with me as his grip loosened up. "This isn't over though." He promised. I nodded in agreement. "Okay get the camera for more moments to capture." he smiled at my suggestion. I knew he would enjoy this day out. Probably just as much as Hotaru and Chibi Usa did.
He wanted a family so much, at least this way he had a chance to get a taste of fatherhood through this encounter. Especially since he wasn't going to be getting any kids from me any time soon. Not for a few more years. I wanted to finish off schooling first and establish myself just a little bit before that stuff came about. Besides, I still had things to work on with Chibi Usa. A bond to build so we could work better on the battlefield and as a family.)
It was the grass next to Mamoru that shifted catching his attention. Luna came out from her hiding place. "Well Mamoru – san it seems your enjoying this encounter a great deal. A family moment." She remarked, "Hai, I didn't have this at all growing up, and even if I did before my parents died I have no memory of it." Luna nodded, "Just remember that she is still in school and would like to finish up before you two start having kids." She told him.
"Hai, as much as I love this and want to have MANY children with her I also know neither of us are really ready to support a child let alone the family. It will be someday, just not any day soon so don't worry." He assured the feline. To this Luna quirked up her brow at him. "How many do you plan on having?" She couldn't help but ask him. "How many rooms are in a wing?" he asked her. Her eyes widened as far as her feline face would go as he turned to snap more shots of the girls. Now ignoring Luna's shocked expression.
"I can't lose her, Luna...not now." He muttered towards the Feline, sitting at his feet.
"I just don't know how to keep her." He sighed.
"May I suggest you merely hold on to her tightly and never let go." Luna stated with a resigned yet considerate tone.
Mamoru merely nodded, never stopping taking picture of her and the girls.
(Getting the camera out he took a picture of Chibi Usa, myself and Hotaru each one holding onto one hand leaning against each other then promptly falling into a giggling heap on the grass as gravity was our bitch for that day. It made us laugh. A three sided leaning game that neither of us won. Then we all engaged in a game of 'jan, ken, pon'. I let the girls win each a round before quitting the game as I had decided I was getting hungry and needed some food before my stomach began to growl.
"So you said an old friend of yours, a botanist, works here now?" I asked, peaking into the dimly lit doorway of a very large green house attached to the massive arboretum. "Hai. He is studying the effects of flower growth." Mamo - chan answered following me in. "Sounds interesting. Does he do anything with them other than figure out their 'makeup' per say?" Mamo - chan looked to me, "Hai, I think he'd been advancing his research lately." he answered.)
The green house was humid, like walking in a thick hot soup. The air heavy and musky with the sweet scents of flowers. All mixing into a heady aroma of gentle scents. The inside looked like some indoor jungle, filled with all manner of flowers scattered in pots or planted into long wooden boxes. The walls full of blooming creeping vines that twisted and knotted up the glass to hang from the domed roof.
The whisper of a waterfall echoed over the somber garden, man-made river's snaking amongst the shadows of the arboretum. Feeding the water lilies and various plants that floated in the shallow aqueducts at their feet. Moving carefully through the narrow allies, gawking with wonder at all the quiet beauty that surrounded them. The sunlight filtering in from above, dancing like flickering, floating lights upon the exotic flower's and visitors alike. It was magical inside as if they had left earth behind to travel to some strange alien world.
Usagi, Mamoru, Chibi Usa and Hotaru walked in 'ooing' and 'ahhing' at the botanist's collection of exotic flowers. "It's so pretty and full of such vibrant colors. You wouldn't find this in a regular flower shop." Usagi stated with glee, showing a two toned lily to Chibi Usa and Hotaru, that growing amongst it's siblings from an elaborate stone basin. "Wow...it's so pretty." Chibi Usa exclaimed. Hotaru agreed as they continued to walk down the inner pathways. Their hands lightly caressing every bud and blossom with childlike wonder.
"Sempai." Mamoru greeted excitedly, catching sight of a middle aged man in his grey cover all's. He was hovering high above on a ladder, spray bottle in hand, dusting a huge hanging pot of roses. Wanting to introduce Usagi to the man, he lightly pressed his hand against her back and guided her forward.
"Oii Mamoru - san! How have you been? I see you've got another beautiful woman on your arms. She's prettier though." the botanist spoke, he had kind round face and thinning black hair. His skin looking worn and wrinkled from the sun and dirt that he worked with.
Mamoru felt his face heat up in embarrassment when Usagi smiled tightly up at him, "Another beautiful woman?" She asked, an eerie calm in her voice. Her eye brow arched pointedly, insinuating silently that thought he had lived quite the playboy's lifestyle before meeting her.
"He's just joking." Mamoru tried to quell her fears, "None sense the last one who was it a...dark hair...no...light hair..." he seemed to be in thought, "Let me guess long dark hair, and hanging off of Mamo - chan?" Usagi guessed, "Yeah I think so. But Mamoru - san here looked to be a bit uncomfortable with the public display. Has this one broken down your walls on that?" he asked, joking some more as he climbed down from the ladder.
Mamoru switched from embarrassed to smirking as he thought of their roof bouts of love making, "Hai, she has. I'm no longer a disciplined man, when it comes to her." Mamoru joked pulling her in closer to his side, "She's my world now." he said looking down at her, "Nice save." Usagi answered. He smiled, mentally wiping some sweat away.
"Kurebayashi, Yoshiki. I would like to introduce. Tsukino, Usagi." he gripped her shoulder's lovingly as she shook the older man's had confidently. Her smile so brilliant the older man was laughing approvingly. Giving Mamoru knowing glances that he too now saw the purity of her spirit as well.
Mamoru was about to introduce the young girls with him as well, when a loud, exuberant little voice exploded through the somber twilight of the flowers.
"Papa!" that caught his attention.
(Six children, most still between the ages of four to eight all gathered around older man, jumping and squealing. Vying for his attention like a crazed mob of cherubs.
"Wow..." I blushed slightly. "There's so many." I looked up to see the admiring smile on Mamo - chan's face, "Nani?" I asked. He looked to the kids then down to me with conspiratorial grin. I widened my eyes at his silent question, "I am NOT popping out six kids!" I huffed, "I'm sure I can convince you otherwise." he smirked, planting a kiss on my head.
"It's going to take a LOT of convincing for six kids. You do know that I will be the one to PUSH them all out?" I asked, "Hai...but I'll happily fill you up with them." he smiled in lust and love with fatherly bliss thrown in, "Yeah you have the easy part...I'm the one that's going to be carrying them for nine months each." I quipped, the romance of pregnancy having been thoroughly put into perspective during my sex ed class last term. He still smiled fondly, "Your point is?" he asked. I shot him a piercing look.)
True he noticed there were quite a few kids but he wanted a big family with her. He was already having thoughts of seeing her all big with their children. Knowing she'd be feeling like a beached whale and he'd find her the most gorgeous creature around. Wanting her more often than she would want him during her 'incubating period'. He'd make it work and he'd figure out a way to have the big family that he wanted with her.
He was already wondering if the green house had a closed off closet to - it was the feel of the back of his head being slapped that brought him out of his revere, "There are kids here with us." Usagi growled knowing all his tells now they had been intimate so much. He looked back to find their innocent faces, "Right...Gomen..." he turned back to the botanist who seemed to be practically reading his thoughts.
"You've got a keeper there Mamoru - san, pretty and smart. Smart enough to know what you're thinking already. She's dangerous and perfect for you." He finished as Mamoru nodded. "Hai, I know..." he held her tightly.
"So how's the misses?" Mamoru asked, referring to the man's wife, as his two young companions had wandered off. "Pregnant...again..." to that he couldn't help but feel heat rise in his cheeks and look down to Usagi and honestly wondered how many bedrooms the palace in the future might be filled by their kids alone. They can have their own wing as they get older. He surmised, thinking on how that could work out.
Would you focus on why we're here! A family friendly day.
Usagi growled back over their link. Though she laughing as well at his paternal fantasies.
She felt his nod of acceptance before they moved on. Heading back towards the entrance, Hotaru and Chibi Usa fell in with the group of kids following the adults outside so the botanist could send the little kids back to their mom.
Mimet dressed in her yellow trench coat and red scarf over her head and huge glasses caught sight of them as she scouting for her target. She ducked around a fountain, to avoid the mob of kids as they ran past her, "You've got to be joking! How can two people have that many kids?! Why would they want to?!" She murmured to herself, blushing in disgust at one family having so many kids.
To her they were nothing more than snot nosed brats that needed to be gone from the world or at least gone from her sights and out of her way. She had a mission to complete and no child would stand in her way. Not to mention they grossed her out and made her feel like they were nothing more than smart asses. In short there were no regretful motherly feelings for her to get caught up with when it came to them.
(We sat down in the field we had played in earlier to eat lunch. I was busy setting out the picnic from the basket as Yoshiki settled himself down on the blanket with his bento, that his kids had delivered. He had sent them all back home, knowing his wife was waiting for them at the parking lot. His eldest could easily lead the rest back down the paths to the van so he was not worried about them. Jinai Gardens had become a second home for his family, they spent as much time here as at home.
Taking a moment to stare quietly at her lover, as he reclined on the blanket. He was watching her prepare their afternoon meal with a wistful smile. His deep blue eyes filled with such pride and admiration of for all the work she had put in. Looking so maternal and far more comfortable in that role, as she handed bento boxes to both Chibi Usa and Hotaru.
(I could feel him restraining his feelings of needing to have kids sooner than necessary. I knew he had plans to achieve and goals to reach before kids came into the picture.
It was why I knew also felt him taming himself down so he didn't have an outward reaction to his needs. If given the alone time or the opportunity I wouldn't put it past him to make a sexual move that would in no way happen or be publicly acceptable here. So he busied himself with eating the food we prepped as I made sure Chibi Usa ate her vegetables of stuffed bell peppers that I hand made.
Well, I got her to eat a bite of it.
We gave a small helping to Luna who had been silently following behind us the whole day. Luna was taking a page from Artemis's book recently and had been following me about like a silent guardian. Something was up with her. But I guess it was far past due for us to have a long talk as well. Luna in so many ways had become like second mother to me.
It was seeing Hotaru's look of sudden sadness during out family banter that had my heart aching and curious, "Is the food okay?" I asked, "Hai, I just miss the days when papa and I used to eat out like this. These days getting a meal with him is difficult. He's always so busy with his researched." she admitted. It was the botanists words of truth, encouragement, understand and wisdom that parents are just too busy sometimes but that it's good to still have fun while being a kid with friends and family. He then jokingly shoved her.
It was enough to knock her into Chibi Usa who then fell on top of Luna as she was squashed beneath the girls. I could tell she was trying to only let out cat yelps to avoid being heard as a human. Mamo - chan and I could not help but laugh at the sight the three of them made. I helped girls back up as Luna choose a different seating area off the blanket, to avoid becoming a kitty cushion again if things got rowdy.)
Mimet had spent her time walking through the building, scouting out the perfect place to lay in wait. She caught sight of the botanist, walking into a private nursery at the end of the Arboretum.
Then she caught sight of Mamoru trailing in his wake, carrying on a quiet conversation. His handsome, chiseled features having Mimet take an instant liking to him. "Oh he is to cutie." she didn't bother to care that their was a small blonde next to him, holding his hand comfortably, an intimate yet innocent action of laying claim. Nor that his left hand rubbed along her back when not in use.
Her eyes were too focused on the dreamy picture Mamoru made she never noticed the pink haired girl or even Hotaru following behind. "He's a much better target." but the professors words in her mind to stay on target prevented her from releasing the daimon just yet. "Sometimes the professor doesn't know what's good for him." She surmised, wanting to now get the cutie male alone so she could get his pure heart and possibly a kiss in the process.
Trailing into the faintly lit nursery behind them, a grim shadow quickly hiding away within the labyrinth of shelves filled with potted plants.
The botanist was explaining how he was keeping the plants alive for longer, as he offered them a tour of the nursery. It wasn't landscaped to look an indoor garden as the main area was. Filled with iron shelves the slightly inclined with thousands of potted plants. The heat lamps far above shone dimly over the rows of flowers. Some huge pots hung near the glass ceiling, long vines hanging like green strands of hair down towards the floor.
Blossoms of all shapes and colors surrounded them as they moved quietly down the aisles. This was where he tended to the more fragile plants or flower to young to yet to thrive in the main Arboretum. When they were more hardy and could replanted then they would transplanted in the main area.
"I've been working on chemically altering them. Make them last longer. Make them stronger." He explained, this did not seem to bode well for Hotaru, "I think a plant should just be allowed to live its life and let it be. A plant needs to follow its own cycle." she stated sadly yet gently.
The botanist looked to her in contemplation," I think you might be missing the point of why I am doing this. My research will - " but he was interrupted when Chibi Usa came up, "Let's all go into the area over there!" she pointed towards an iron door set at the far end. He nodded figuring to finish the conversation later on. He wasn't chemically altering the plants for the hell of it after all, he had a mission in his own right. He wanted to heal the world's illnesses, through his gift of alterations.
"I'll show you my research when you're ready." He stated, taking Usagi, Mamoru and Chibi Usa towards his research lab behind that very door as Hotaru decided to stay outside with the new plants. They started after him but got distracted by many tropical flowers along the way to keep up with the botanist that was on the other side of the room now. "So pretty!" Chibi Usa said, of a wild orchid.
It's silk white petal's drooping from a simple pot at the edge of a self. Usagi agreed as she and Mamoru turned around in time for a sudden yellow jacket, red scarfed blond to come pointed up to Mamoru.
("Hello! Could you tell me the name of this flower?" Pulling down her sunglasses to batt her eyes meaningfully at Mamoru. I arched an eyebrow in threat, "The botanist is over there." I politely replied. Just as I went to point in the botanist direction she weaseled herself into Mamo – chan's personal space. "Gomen, I couldn't tell you." He answered honestly, arched himself away from her as she tried to brush up against him.
I tried to squeeze between them only to find her bumping me out of her way to try and be closer to him. Stumbling a couple steps, glowering at her. Chibi Usa steadied me, by gripping my hips. I noticed that she was glaring up at the strange woman with as much anger as me. I wondered briefly if this unified front of irritation was because she had my back, or if she was just pissed because he was her Mamo-chan. I really didn't think on it to hard, my insides were boiling with righteous girlfriend rage.
While I was trying to devise a plan to rip her claws out of my man without starting a major cat fight, I took a couple deep breaths to calm my growing anger. Simmering down the violent fantasies of laying down a good old fashioned smack down on her rude, flirting ass!
At this point I stood with my arms crossed as this woman clearly did not respect the fact that his girlfriend was present. "Oh I totally though HE was the researcher. You look so smart." She got closer, trying to drape herself over his chest. "In fact we could have a conversation in private." She finished seductively near his ear. I narrowed my eyes at her audacity as even Mamo – chan looked fed up with her obvious rudeness. "I hate to break it to you but I will be of no help. Besides I'm here with my family." He explained politely to her.
"Oh sisters?" She offered in surprise. I stifled the urge to snort then got caught off guard as he pulled myself and Chibi Usa possessively into him, along each side, "I'm here with my future wife and child." He blurted out totally flustered by the awkward confrontation. But her eyes shot to my ring less finger, "Its being fitted. Mamo – chan got the wrong size." I quickly explained, while gently touching his chest and shaking my head with a chuckle.
A move that clearly stated he was taken. Even to her oblivious eyes. "You far look to young to have had his child." She remarked, her face turning scandalous.
As Mamoru rolled his eyes he blushed at the stupidity of his statement. He had just wanted to get the woman to back off! But the words only started an even more uncomfortable round of investigations. Now she was pointing out the inconsistencies of his story, "It's a long story and to be honest it's none of your business so excuse us." I rallied behind my man, pulling Mamo – chan away as he pulled Chibi Usa with us.
Taking our abrupt if nervous exist out of that strange conversation. "I didn't think of how that could have come out sounding." Mamo – chan stated with a sigh. I guess he realized that saying 'future wife and child' when the said future wife wasn't even 16 yet could be countered easily if one looked close enough. Or totally accusing himself as a pedophile...ugh...that couldn't have gone worse.
"I think I'll go check on Hotaru – chan." Chibi Usa stated, picking up on the tension. "I think that's a good idea." Mamo – chan told her, needing a little distance since his blood pressure was now off the charts.
I took his hand and lead him deeper into the garden. "This place is so pretty." I admired the flowers, changing the subject matter and seeking to have him find the good again. He tended to brood when he felt he had said or acted so idiotically. He had had the best intentions with his less then perfect comment, but really he had put his foot in his mouth big time. At first he was reluctant to just let it all go.
"I can't believe I just blurted that all out." he grimaced, rubbing the back of his neck. "Well, it was the truth." I shrugged, "And really she had you on the defensive big time back there."
He winced, gripping my hand more tightly. "I've been thinking none stop today about our family today. It just kinda slipped out. Being here today with you and Chibi Usa it the closest I've felt to having a real family again in a very, very long time." He sighed, closing his eyes and taking a long deep breath. He felt tears of both anguish and joy threatening and he didn't want to lose control and break down in front of her.
"Mamo - chan..." I cupped his cheeks lovingly. "Hey, now...come back to me." I soothed, seeing the hurt and long held in anguish he felt at being alone for so long. Then his hands wrapped around me and held me tightly to his chest. Pressing his face against my neck, he breathed me in over and over again. His breath was hot and steady upon my skin. Sending goose flesh all over my body as I held him to me just as tightly.)
The comfort and love vibrating through their link was indescribable in that moment. It was like he was holding her like a life preserver, as if she was the only thing keeping him alive. The embrace was sudden yet expected, as he worked through the pain of those years without her. He had taken Luna's advice in that moment and grabbed onto her and held on tight, he would never let her go again.
In time he felt strong enough to confront her beautiful face again. Taking one last deep breath he pulled away. Smiling down at her, his heart at peace again. She returned his warm smile then lead him away to enjoy the flowers.
With finding peace again, his libido roared forth again as well. Watching the gorgeous young woman that was all his, lightly caressing the flowers, bending over and admiring their sweet scents. The setting was so romantic, with subdued lighting of the nursery. The sunlight shimmering off the golden hue of her hair. Her eyes filled with such adoration as she glanced towards him from time to time. Weaving through the canopy of hanging flower's like some magical creature, luring him towards some secret place.
With a heavy sigh of defeat he smirked knowingly and followed her into the hidden depths of the arboretum.
(I was lightly brushing my fingertips down the silky petals of the roses that lined this alley of flowers when I felt him press up against me. The arousal I felt deep inside was instant, and the nerves fluttering over my body turning all inhibitions to mush.
Then his lips, those sexy oh so kissable lips, took my attention next as they ran a series of small kisses up from the base of my neck, to my face and finally my lips as he swung me around to greet him. "I've been wanting to do that all day long. Along with this." He murmured as he held me close to him and kissed me with pent up passion and faltering restraint. For but a moment I let myself enjoy the sweet bliss of his hands on me, of his lips making me want to cry out his name as I did last night, yet I held myself in check.
It was when he started to back me up that I wondered where he was going with this, "The girls will be wondering where we are." I tried, feeling his one hand around my waist and the other lifting my leg and wrapping it around his waist. He gently rubbed himself against me as I reciprocated in kind. "Oh Mamo – chan…" his head dipped down and pulled my sweater away from my neck.
Leaving a wet trail towards my collarbone, I couldn't help but grind my hips into his and give out a languid moan as his hand somehow went from my waist to under my sweater and slid upward further. His thumbs brushing the very bottoms of my breasts, in that deep sensual caress I knew oh, so well.
"You feel amazing Usako…" he breathed against my lips. I couldn't respond as his lips devoured my own. A hungry, frenetic series of kissed taking my breath away. It was then that the location of where we were told me how out in the open we still were. "We can't, not here." I tried as he his hands roamed to cup the lace bra, covering my now heaving cleavage.
"You two are seconds away from giving a lot of people coming in here a private not to mention illegal show." Luna scolded us, her warning tone clearing away the haze of arousal. I pushed Mamo – chan off as he and I both saw the people starting to come into the secluded area we were in, "Close call. Arigato for the warning." I told her, "I shouldn't have had to. I swear you two act like being outs doors isn't a first for you. Have you no control?" we both looked away from her in shame.
Her eyes widened in shock, "Good kami! You have?!" she stated in surprise, "It's not like anyone saw us." Mamo – chan defended in an automatic reaction, his foot once more placed firmly down his throat.)
Seriously...Mamo-chan!
(I wailed through our bond. He got an odd look in his eyes like he was about to retract the statement, releasing to late he had divulged far to much yet again.
Rolling his eyes as he spotted me looking at him in alarmed modification. Then quickly brushing it off. "Besides I would have controlled myself." He finished confidently.
Luna just looked to him with an arched eye brow of disbelief…if cats could do that that is. "Oh yes Mr. Chiba when it comes to Usagi I'm sure you're the picture of self-control these days." Her sarcasm was evident in her tone.
"How did you even get in here?" I questioned, animals were not allowed inside the building.
Luna just looked at me oddly. "Really, Usagi - chan. You don't think I can't sneak around a public place without being seen." She admonished with a smirk.
I shrugged and smiled, Luna was a very cunning animal.)
Hotaru's spirits were low as she headed out of the Arboretum. It was never good to stay out with people for to long. Something bad always happened. Glancing up at the once blue sky, finding it grey and overcast. She grimaced at the sudden change, true to form her bad luck was starting to rear it's ugly head. A rolling thunder echoed out over the gardens, as it surprisingly begun to hail outside. "I need to get ho - what the...?" she felt it coming down.
Shielding her forehead with an arm as the tiny chunks of ice began to pelt her. When it became harder she went back inside. The thunderous pounding of the ice against the glass deafening and creating a panic inside. The hail became larger bombarding the glass ceiling like million's of frozen shrapnel. The wind picked up and began howling around the green house. The people trapped outside scattered, running to find safety from the hailstones coming down.
The lightening flashed across the sky, as if Jupiter herself were having a bad day and decided to take it out on the surrounding areas.
Back inside Mamoru and Usagi had returned to the botanist's side, even with Mamoru's horny state, seeing his sempai give him an arched brow over his absence made him realize he hadn't been the only one to do such a thing in the place. He wondered now if any of the botanist children had been conceived here at the gardens or the one the botanist said his wife was pregnant with had been.
"This is highly unusual. Hail at this time of year?" Yoshiki was curious and fearful, especially when the lights went out, leaving them all in an eerie darkness. 'This is not good. The lights are needed for the plants. We can't let the temperature within the nursery fall." he explained, rushing out of his research lab and into the area beyond to hunt down the breaker box. "We should go help." Mamoru told Usagi, "Hai, you go check the circuit breakers see if the system will just need a re - start or if it's been blown." She suggested.
("Hai, you go and try to find Chibi Usa and Hotaru – chan. Also see if there are any broken glass areas for sempai to fix. He'll be wanting to patch them up as fast as possible. I know these plants mean a lot to him." Mamoru suggested. "Hai..." I shouted, dashing away only to be yanked back by his gripping hand upon my wrist. I furrowed my brows in mild confusion. He gave me a quick kiss. "Be careful."
"Besides I'm sure Chibi Usa's having a great time with the weather. She hates the thunder just as I do." I smirked, racing away out of the doorway. Though now as it came down even Mamoru could tell it didn't affect me the way it used to.)
Chibi Usa having retraced her steps back to where Hotaru had been. Found the dark haired girl no longer there, but now found herself all alone in the midst of a major thunder storm as its loud crashing presence frightened her as it would her mother. But just like her mother she steeled her courage and bit down on the screams that wished to spill forth. Instead she cowered beneath archway covered in roses, with her arms wrapped over her head. Eyes squeezed tightly shut and taking slow deep breaths attempting to push past the fear.
Usagi for her part was running blind in the dark, with the lighting illuminating the garden in brilliant flashes. Accented by the tremendous booms of thunder just as everything went completely dark yet again. At this point she still feared both but had been managing her illogical fear. Able from sheer force of will to prevent herself from screeching like a howler monkey when it reared its head.
Unlike her mother however Chibi Usa was still not as strong, her fear was now overtaking her senses. She had attempted to keep searching for Hotaru, only to ducked down between the rows of plants out in the main area. Screaming momentarily at the crashing sounds of the hail and rolling thunder, "Come on you're a sailor senshi...thunder and lightning are nothing!" she admonished to herself.
Hotaru had crossed Chibi Usa's path unnoticed in the dark. Moving with a steady stride into the darkness back to where she had thought she had left her dear friend. It was where the botanist was that caught Hotaru's soft fearful eyes. Putting wood against where the hail had broken through he was trying to keep the temperature change from doing any damage to the plants inside the green house.
She steadily went up the ladder and helped him hold it in place but pushing on the wooden board, "Arigato." He said. She blushed, "I need to save these saplings if all else fails. They've been modified to be strong enough to hold the necessary compounds to aid in curing illnesses." this caught Hotaru's attention, "Nani?" she asked, "Strong against illnesses?"
"Hai, the improvements made here will be effective when people get sick. Their organic compounds can be used to make people stronger and fight off illnesses better. Their not just to be pretty." He quirked a proud smile. She now looked to him with a new found hope. Perhaps these plants would make her stronger someday, make her able to fight off her illness better, be able to have a normal life that was constantly relying on help or having seizures.
However the revelation was short lived when a fast spinning object, came out of the penetrating darkness and slammed into the ladder. With a startled cry, both parties fell down though the botanist made sure to keep Hotaru levelled on top of him for safety. She passed out from pure fear as he gently rolled her over onto her back. He wanted to check her vitals when he heard Mimet's tired voice, "Work is work."
He looked down the aisle to find her looking bored at him, "This path to your pure heart will have no choice but to take me away from romance with that dark haired man." she surmised. He wonder if she was referring to Mamoru when she said that, "I'll be taking your pure heart now." that quickly made him forget about Mamoru especially when she opened up the briefcase and out popped a thorny legged, flower tutu wearing daimon.
She came spinning out with rose petals despite her not so rosy nature. Looking at the bud that landed in his hand the botanist examined it and replied without thinking, "Looks lackluster, too much fertilization." it pissed the daimon off as she grabbed him, hauled him up and sucked the pure heart from his throat. Dropping him like a sack of potatoes he fell to the ground in a heap at her feet.
Chibi Usa had heard Hotaru's scream, it had spurned her into motion. She had ran back into the nursery without a single ounce of fear. Upon seeing the daimon hovering over Mamoru's friend she tossed her henshin in the air and transformed. A shower of pink sparkles and ribbons bathed her body as she spun in the power wave. She didn't bother to alert Moon or anyone else as she didn't want to waste time.
That and she wanted to see how well she could handle a daimon by herself. Her time training with the senshi give her confidence that made her feel like she could beat one by herself. A foolish mistake. Having heard tales about Sailor Moon what she failed to realize was that in those tales Tux or one of the senshi was almost always there. It was based on team work that Moon was so successful. As a unit they beat the enemies down.
Coming out from her hiding spot she presented her little speech to Mimet who just looked more irritated than fearful. Moon actually had Mimet in fear sometimes but not all the time. "Ubara end the brat!" Mimet called out. Throwing five roses from her fingers out a blinding speed, they were intercepted and destroyed by Tux. Who was standing along a side alley of shelves, whom wasn't to please that his signature weapon was being used by another, a daimon no less.
"I don't appreciate copy cats." he dashed in front of Chibi Moon who looked fearful. Once more she had to be saved. "YOU! Damn it!" Mimet screeched, "Don't get angry yet, the main show is about to start. He jumped away with Chibi Moon in his arms. Moon came out with the lights now properly working again thanks to Mamoru, lightening up in a sequence as the power came back on. Illuminating her entrance as if she were on a stage.
Mimet didn't like this sailor senshi. Nine times out of ten she was the primary senshi at all of the battles and had the most powerful weapon in her possession, "Why is it no matter where I go I attract you sailor failures like maggots to meat?!" she near exploded, "Nice terminology. "Moon snapped bitterly, not liking it one bit. "I thought so." Mimet answered snidely in return.
The daimon targeted Moon. Yelling her own name 'Ubara' the whole time, her vocabulary not very extensive. Moon ended up dodging the roses that was flung at her repeatedly, giving Chibi Moon enough time to dash back to Moon's side. Charge up her 'pink sugar' attack and send it at the Daimon. As soon as Moon got close enough the pink pencil thin looking hearts slammed into the daimon face, the monster looked as if she were being head butted by a small hand held punching bag.
"Seriously? What are you doing? She's just a bratty kid! Get rid of her!" Mimet snapped at the daimon. Snarling in frustration, the rose daimon's arms turned into thorny vines snapping out as they each captured Moon and Chibi Moon in a near suffocating grip. Looking very much like a sickly green Anaconda had wrapped around the two Senshi and was currently squeezing the live out of them both.
All Tux could see was a set of blonde and pink pig tails trailing limply down over the smothering vines. Moon couldn't move a muscle, they protested at any actions to struggle. Sensing her pain Tux gave a war cry and pulled the sword from his cane, dashing in from a side aisle in blur of black and red silk. Slashing through the vines as if they were nothing but paper.
The daimon screamed in pain, retreating the remains of her vines back towards her body. In inadvertently tossing both Senshi into the air. They screamed in fright as they were cast away over a set of metal shelves. Tux ran around the alley of flower, seeing that Moon had took the brunt of fall, having been Chibi Moon's cushion upon landing. Deposited on her back with the little girl sitting squarely upon her face. Smothering Moon with her butt, looking dazed and more than slightly drunk as she wobbled uncertainly.
Chibi Moon quickly regained her senses, when Moon pinched the offending ass that was upon her face. The little girl yelped and jumped off, rubbing her sore butt cheek ruefully. "Gomen..." She blushed, gripping her wand a little tighter. For once she would love to land with some amount of dignity but thankfully her idol had the same problems concerning her constant crash landings on the ground.
"You okay?" Tux asked, slightly out of breath. Biting down on the inside of his cheek refusing to laugh at the hilarious sight they had made.
"Hai, though it may need a back rub at some point." Moon stretched out her back in minor pain. He nodded, "And here I thought you always asked for a burger or something." Chibi Moon asked. "A burger is not going to ease the ache in my muscles that's to your superior landing on my face!" Moon stated getting to her feet.
"What is the matter with you?" Mimet snapped at the daimon.
It caught their attentions, "There's no way you're going with just that! Get back up and fight them!" Moon snapped at her, "Here's an idea instead of having your daimon do all the hard work why you don't do something about it! You're the damned boss!" Mimet turned to her, "I am working! On keeping this daimon in line. Now go get them!" She yelled once more as she went from Moon to the daimon.
Vines like roots came out of where her arms had once been. Getting on her knees she slammed them into the floor as they spread all over. Erupting in an all-out assault, they caught Chibi Moon first. Her sudden cry distracted Tux enough to snag his ankle and thrust him in the air. With Moon's bunny instincts kicking in she jumped into the air before they could latch onto her. "Get her!" Mimet cried out. Moon barely keeping out of reach on the edge of the thin shelf she was on as she jumped from shelf to shelf within the nursery to avoid getting caught.
Ubara kept smashing her roots everywhere trying to catch her but she was no match for the rabbit like senshi. Unfortunately Moon noticed she was getting a little to close to the pissed off daimon. Leaping up high, using the dust from the attacks around her as a fog to hide in, she pulled her tiara and called out the attack, "Moon tiara..." landing in front of Ubara she yelled, "Magic!" as she slammed it into the daimon's gut.
The spinning tiara acted as a flaming hot disk of energy, cutting into the daimon's abdomen like chainsaw to a tree. The monster screamed out in blinding pain and rage. Moon crouched low as she shoved her disc deeper, until Mimet used her 'charm buster' to blast Moon back. The blast of dark energy slammed into her, knocking the wind from her lungs as she was sent flying. Ubara was by now smoking and clutched futile to her stomach, as much of its contents leaked out between her fingers.
It was black and wet, oozing through crone like fingers to drip upon the hard floor. Her groan of agony was the only thing heard as she stubbornly held on with her vines, to her two innocent victims with painful resolute.
"Capture Sailor Moon while she's down!" Mimet yelled, seeing the Moon senshi sluggishly getting up from her position on the cracked and broken floor. Ubara used the last of her power to wrap Moon up with her roots. Her booted feet were twisted up, her body was in a near twisted pretzel position. She had stray thought fluttering through her mind, wondering how she had Tux had gotten into some of their positions recently. Then reminded herself that she was being bound by a daimon at the time and to focus!
She saw Tux and Chibi Moon, heard them groaning in pain from being squeezed. "This hurts!" Chibi Moon protested. Trying to keep tears from her eyes while Tux seemed to be fighting against his own living restraints. The roots held firm making his great efforts pointless. Rolled partially on her side and at a cock eyed angle she looked over to see Hotaru waking up. She mentally begged for the girl to stay asleep only to see her wake up fully. Or at least a part of her wake up.
Her eyes were glowing an eerie red, a dark aura cloaking her body like a death shroud. Moon furrowed her brows in curiosity.
"I did it I finally did it!" Mimet smirked. Ubara arched her brow at the woman, grimacing in pain. Knowing Moon was right, she had done all the leg work. Mimet had done nothing but order her about like a 'tyrannical boss'.
The Daimon felt its essence bleeding away as her master danced about in smug satisfaction as if she had accomplished so much. Suddenly the monster really wasn't into the battle anymore, her focus waning along with her endurance to hold on.
Hotaru had crawled unnoticed towards the Daimon, that inner wrath that always roiled deep inside of her now directed towards the Monster hurting her friends. From Moon's vantage point upside down, she saw the intense amount of energy come out of Hotaru's hand as she gripped on of the Daimon's stray roots. The dark power electrocuted the daimon's roots system, shooting up and bathing the monster in black lightening.
The monster scream and convulsed in the throes of the massive charge of power. "Nani…the hell? I'm withering away." she moaned weakly as the attacked subsided. Crumpling in on herself, as her roots and body shriveled up. "What is happen - you know what screw this!" Mimet ran as always from the problem.
Ubara looked to her cowardly boss in distain as she disappeared into the gloom beyond. Her energy was fading, as she curled into a fetal pose. Releasing Tux and Chibi Moon. Moon struggled out of the dried and rotting vines that had once held her. Charging for the monster, her rage at nearly losing her loved ones a cold fury that hummed over her.
"Help me...Please I'm already withering away." The Daimon begged in a weak and cracking voice. It halted Moon's vengeance, her anger softening into pity. With a nod, she transformed into her Super form. Calling out her attack with sense of finality, this killing was a cleansing an act of mercy of a wretched creature who did need to exist. Her rage not directed towards the nameless monster who created them.
"Lovely..." The flower Daimon breathed, as her light overtook her. Casting her life back into the dust of creation.
Moon walked a little bit over to find Hotaru once more passed out on the ground, "She has powers Tuxedo Mask." She stated, staring down at the frail girl with new found fear. Feeling him behind her as Chibi Moon went to her friend, refusing to accept her words or not truly hearing them. Moon left her, allowing her daughter to lie to herself that Hotaru wasn't a threat. She would deal with that argument later.
Heading down the aisle to tend to the botanist currently on deaths door. She bent down and picked up the pure heart hovering nearby and carried it to the botanist. "She'll be fine, probably just needs some sleep. It probably scared her having the daimon around. She may have just simply passed out." Moon explained to her, pressing a comforting hand upon her future daughters back.
Chibi nodded her head, "We should de - transform." Tux suggested. Agreeing they all did. Sun shining down the botanists family was there around him as Hotaru was surrounded by Chibi Usa, Usagi and Mamoru. None of the events even a memory in her mind's eye. The last memory she had was of falling with the botanist as he held her securely to avoid letting her fall painfully from the height. Taking the brunt of it himself.
"Where is the monster thing?" She asked, "Sailor Moon destroyed it." Chibi Usa told her. "She was amazing." Mamoru told her, his arm going around Usagi in a loving embrace. She smiled, "Look!" she pointed upwards towards the rainbow in the sky where the botanist and his pregnant wife and kids were looking up at. "It's so pretty." Chibi Usa exclaimed. "Hai, it is." Usagi agreed in reflection.
Mamoru looked up but then looked back down to the botanist and his pregnant wife. Six kids and the seventh on the way... "Don't even think about it." Usagi's voice warned, "I want to graduate first and be at least 18 before I pop one out." he smiled in acceptance, "Can't hide anything from you can I?" she shook her head no before smiling, "Not really." he held her tighter before enjoying the moment with the rainbow arching above them all.